Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Guess These 1980s TV Shows From an Image?

Kennita Leon

Image: ABC/NBC

About This Quiz

Special effects weren't really perfected until recently, but TV has been around for quite some time—since the 1940s! And because we humans need to be entertained, that's just what television producers did back in the eighties—and they did a darn good job of it too. Some of the critically acclaimed and hit shows of the eighties paved the way for a lot of what was around during the nineties and even in the new millennium. These 1980s shows are so great that people still remember and watch them today.

So we're going to test you on them. We want to see just how many shows from the eighties you remember, especially if we were to show you a screenshot of them. We're going to revisit some of the best shows of the decade, including "Full House," "Cheers," "Married with Children" and more. If you remember any of these shows or their characters, you may stand a chance of acing our quiz.

If you want to test your memory and prove to us that you've been a TV buff since the eighties, go ahead and take this fun quiz. We're sure it'll take you way back—all the way back to the 1980s.

NBC via youtube

What is the name of the show centered around a Boston bar?

"Taxi"

"Cagney & Lacey"

"Cheers"

"Coach"

Based in a bar in Boston, Massachusetts, "Cheers" was an American television series that began in 1982. The show aired for 11 seasons, and its focus was on sharing the experiences of the locals who either worked at the bar or frequented the bar.

CBS via youtube

Which of these shows was a crime drama about a man working in Hawaii?

"Magnum, P.I."

"Miami Vice"

"Fantasy Island"

"Who's the Boss?"

This crime-drama television series focused on the adventures of an ex-Navy lieutenant who now works as a private investigator and lives in Hawaii. The series aired on CBS from 1980-1988.

Fox via youtube

This show was a comedy about a shoe salesman named Al Bundy. What was it called?

"30 Rock"

"Family Ties"

"ALF"

"Married with Children"

The comedic television series focuses on the miserable life of a shoe salesman Al Bundy, his wife and two children. It first aired on Fox in 1987 and has 11 seasons. It was created by Michael Moye and John Leavitt.

Paramount Television via youtube

What was this space-themed show called?

"Babylon 5"

"Star Trek: The Next Generation"

"Knight Rider"

"Futurama"

The sequel to the original "Star Trek" features a new generation of Starfleet officers led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard. It also features a new Enterprise as they set sail to discover new adventures. The popular science-fiction series ran for seven seasons from 1987-1994.

NBC via youtube

Which of these shows featured an actress by the name of Estelle Getty?

"Roseanne"

"The Good Wife"

"Designing Women"

"Golden Girls"

Sophia, Blanche, Rose and Dorothy are the main characters in this American television comedy series. The series is centered on the four previously married elderly women sharing a home in Miami. "Golden Girls" first aired on NBC on September 14, 1985.

ABC via youtube

One of these movies follows the adventures of a former model and a P.I. What is its name?

"Magnum, P.I."

"Breaking Bad"

"Moonlighting"

"Miami Vice"

A former model, down on her luck, teams up with a Private Investigator of the Blue Moon Detective Agency to solve cases. The series first aired on ABC on March 3, 1985. The popular series contained a mixture of drama, romance and comedy and lasted for five seasons.

ABC via youtube

A boy recounts his years growing up in this series. What was it called?

"Archer"

"The Wonder Years"

"Growing Pains"

"Empire"

Kevin Arnold, a 12-year-old boy, recounts his years growing up in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was part of a typical suburban American family that went through the hardships of life. The series ran on ABC from 1988 to 1993.

NBC via youtube

Only one of these shows aired on NBC from 1981 to 1987. What was it called?

"Hill Street Blues"

"Arrested Development"

"Taxi"

"WKRP in Cincinnati"

The crime drama series created by Steve Bochco focuses on the lives of the overworked and understaffed police officers of an inner-city police precinct. The show contained a combination of humor, drama and real-life scenarios. It aired on NBC from 1981-1987.

NBC via youtube

This show followed a group of four Vietnam veterans. What was its name?

"The Walking Dead"

"The A-Team"

"Magnum, P.I."

"M*A*S*H"

The adventure-packed series centered around four ex soldiers who are on the run from the military for a crime they didn't commit. While on the run, they are able to help innocent people. The series debuted on January 23, 1983.

NBC via youtube

This comedy series revealed around an ex-hippy couple. What was the title of the show?

"Cagney & Lacey"

"The Big Bang Theory"

"Perfect Strangers"

"Family Ties"

The story is centered on a liberal ex-hippy couple raising their children in the conservative Reagan era. The comedy series premiered on September 22, 1982, on the NBC network and lasted for seven seasons.

CBS via youtube

In this show, Bob and his wife operated a small inn. What was the name of this show?

"30 Rock"

"Small Wonder"

"Green Acres"

"Newhart"

The followup to the popular "Bob Newhart Show," this sitcom focuses on the life of Bob and his wife who operate a small inn in a rural town in Vermont. Bob's friends, with their eccentric personalities, add a twist to the comedy series. The series premiered on CBS in 1982.

NBC via youtube

What was this show's name, which centered around a drug-ridden city in Floridia?

"Miami Vice"

"The Love Boat"

"Remington Steele"

"Breaking Bad"

The crime drama is centered on two undercover detectives as they take on the drug world in Miami. The show is notable for its fashion and music influences during the 1980s and often featured cameos by popular celebrities. The series was aired on NBC from 1984-1989.

NBC via youtube

This show had a car with artificial intelligence. What was the show's name?

"Arrested Development"

"Knight Rider"

"The Dukes of Hazzard"

"Who's the Boss?"

The three-part television series focuses on the life of Michael, a former cop who was nursed back to life and becomes a new man with a new name and face. Most notable on the series is the car KITT, which is a sports car with artificial intelligence that Michael uses to help him fight crime. The series was created by Greg Larson.

ABC via youtube

What was this show about a group of friends in a specific age range known as?

"Full House"

"The Wonder Years"

"Thirtysomething"

"Modern Family"

The American television drama encapsulates the life of a group of friends in their thirties living in Philadelphia. It captures their struggles as adults raising their children. The show premiered in 1987 and was later canceled in 1991 because of low ratings.

ABC via youtube

What's the name of this '80s show about a secret agent?

"Miami Vice"

"Moonlighting"

"Hill Street Blues"

"MacGyver"

Angus "Mac" MacGyver is a genius and resourceful secret agent. He is able to utilize everyday objects to quickly diffuse criminal situations. His ingenuity usually comes as a surprise to criminals, as they would underestimate him. The series debuted in 1985.

NBC via youtube

What do you think the name of this show, based on people who seek justice, is?

"L.A. Law"

"Murder, She Wrote"

"Cagney & Lacey"

Dexter

This legal drama based on an LA law firm was created by Stephen Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher. The court cases depicted on the show were usually current topics and included cases of domestic violence, gay rights and racism. The series debuted on NBS on September 15, 1986.

BBC via youtube

What was this story's name, which is set during the Middle Ages?

"Dynasty"

"The Pillars of the Earth"

"Cadfael"

"Blackadder"

The British series debuted on BBC in 1983. Set in England, during the Middle Ages, the comedic series focuses on Prince Edmund who calls himself the Black Adder and his attempts at dethroning his father. There were only six episodes in the series.

NBC via youtube

What show, set during a particular time of day, is pictured here?

"The Arsenio Hall Show"

"Late Night with David Letterman"

"Geraldo"

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

This popular late-night comedy talk show was hosted by David Letterman. The show debuted on NBC on February 1, 1982. Many famous celebrities made guest appearances on the show. There were 11 seasons of the show.

CBS via youtube

What was this show, about an investigative journalist, called?

"Murphy Brown"

"Wiseguy"

"Cagney & Lacey"

"Newhart"

Murphy Brown is an opinionated, smart and hardworking lady, who works as an investigative journalist for a TV news magazine. The series premiered on CBS on November 14, 1988 and was aired for 10 seasons.

NBC via youtube

This show was about a creature not from this earth. Can you tell us what it was called?

"Knight Rider"

"The Powers of Matthew Star"

"ALF"

"Airwolf"

Alien Life Form, nicknamed ALF, is from the planet of Melmac. The fury alien crashes into the garage of the Tanner family and takes up residence there. The comedy series premiered on NBC on September 22, 1986.

NBC via youtube

This show was centered around a strange judge. What was its name?

"Night Court"

"L.A. Law"

"Ally McBeal"

"Cagney & Lacey"

The comedy series is centered on a young eccentric judge who presides over a night courthouse. The cases that appear before the judge are usually for petty crimes and are also bizarre in nature. The series was long lasting and aired for nine seasons.

CBS via youtube

Can you identify the '80s show in this picture?

"Arrested Development"

"Cagney & Lacey"

"Golden Girls"

"Designing Women"

Four Caucasian women run an interior designing firm called Sugarbaker and Associates. The series also features a black man who works as a handyman for their company and always gives his opinion on matters relating to the ladies. The comedic series was aired on the CBS network.

Fox via youtube

What's the name of the show following the world's favorite yellow family?

"Ducktales"

"He-Man and the Masters of the Universe"

"The Simpsons"

"Family Guy"

The animated comedy series is based on a dysfunctional family who live in Springfield. Homer and Marge, the parents, and their children, Lisa, Bart and Maggie, make up the Simpson family. The series debuted in December 1989 and boasts 30 seasons and counting.

ABC via youtube

Only one of these shows was about a widower named Danny Tanner. Which of these was it?

"Full House"

"Step by Step"

"Family Ties"

"The Facts of Life"

A widowed father, Danny Tanner, gets help from his best friend Joey and brother-in-law Jesse to raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie and Michelle. The comedic series focused on their lives in their shared home as the children grew up. The series ran from 1987 to 1995.

CBS via youtube

This series was centered around two female police officers. What was it called?

"Rizzoli & Isles"

"Hill Street Blues"

"Murphy Brown"

"Cagney & Lacey"

This police crime drama series features two lead female actresses as police officers who are partners. The two crime fighters have very different personalities but are able to work well together to solve crimes. The series debuted on CBS on March 25, 1982.

BBC Studios

What is the name of this British series?

"Blackadder"

"The Young Ones"

"Are You Being Served?"

"Yes Minister"

The British series "The Young Ones" centered on the adventures of four undergraduate students who live in a shared house. The sitcom first aired in the U.K. in 1982 and was only on the air for two seasons.

NBC via youtube

What is the name of this science-fiction series?

"Star Trek: The Next Generation"

"Quantum Leap"

"Supernatural"

"Red Dwarf"

Created by Donald Bellisario, the sci-fi series features Dr. Sam Beckett, who believes time travel is possible. During a botched experiment, the doctor finds himself stuck in the past. The series aired from 1989-1993.

Fox via youtube

This show followed undercover cops in various schools. What was it called?

"21 Jump Street"

"Moonlighting"

"L.A. Law"

"Fringe"

A group of youthful-looking police detectives go undercover in schools; these officers specialize in the investigation of crimes relating to young people which they could easily intercept. The series first aired on April 12, 1987 and ended on April 27, 1991.

Cartoon Network

Which of these options is the animated series seen here?

"Inspector Gadget"

"The Tom and Jerry Show"

"Ducktales"

"The Real Ghostbusters"

The animated television series explores the adventures of Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse. Tom is constantly chasing Jerry, but he is never quite able to capture him and is always injured by his attempts. The show lasted for two seasons and had a total of 45 episodes.

NBC via youtube

Which of these shows was centered around a comedian and his friends?

"Curb Your Enthusiasm"

"Fraiser"

"Seinfeld"

"Futurama"

Set in New York City, this comedy series centered on comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his friends. The group of eccentric friends provide a quirky take on life's mundane activities. The series went on for nine seasons.

NBC via youtube

Which of these shows aired on NBC from 1982 to 1987?

"Murder, She Wrote"

"WKRP in Cincinnati"

"Family Matters"

"Remington Steele"

When a licensed private investigator has a hard time finding clients because she is a woman, she creates a fictitious male character to head her agency. The fictitious role is soon filled by Remington Steele. The drama series was aired on NBC from 1982-1987 with five seasons.

ABC via youtube

Only one of these shows was soap opera. What was its name?

"Dynasty"

"227"

"Taxi"

"Three's Company"

The iconic soap opera set in Denver, Colorado centered on the scandalous lives of the Carringtons and the Colbys. The two rich families were constantly feuding. The series debuted in 1981 and ended in 1989 with 220 episodes.

First-run syndication via youtube

This show is set on the fictitious planet of Eternia. What was the name of the show?

"Knight Rider"

"ALF"

"He-Man and the Masters of the Universe"

"Smallville"

The animated series premiered in September 1983 and ended in 1985 after two seasons. The series is centered on the fictitious planet of Eternia and stars Prince Adam, who transforms into "He-Man" as he saves the world from evil.

CBS via youtube

The lead character takes care of three children while attending college. What was the name of the series?

"Growing Pains"

"Charles in Charge"

"The Facts of Life"

"8 Simple Rules"

Charles, a college student, moves in with the Powell family for free room and board. In return, he babysits the family's three children and takes care of the home. The series, which aired for five seasons, centered on Charles trying to balance his studies, social life and home duties.

CBS via youtube

This show is about a widow who writes mystery novels. What was it called?

"Murder, She Wrote"

"Cagney & Lacey"

"A Different World"

"The Good Wife"

The crime drama series focuses on the life of widow Jessica Fletcher, who is a mystery writer and an amateur detective. Her determination and passion for solving mysteries leads her to solve many cases in her hometown of Cabot Cove, Maine. The series was one of CBS longest-running programs and aired for 12 seasons.

NBC via youtube

Which of these shows starred the characters targeted by Gargamel and his cat?

"The Smurfs"

"Futurama"

"ALF"

"ThunderCats"

The lovable blue gnome creatures that live in mushroom houses in the forest are constantly under threat by an evil man called Gargamel. The animated series is centered on their daily lives and how they actively avoid being captured or killed by him. There were nine seasons of the comedic series.

CBS via youtube

What is this classic show about four amazing fighters called?

"Transformers"

"Robotech"

"Voltron"

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"

This animated series focuses on the lives of four teenage brothers who are turtles. They live in the sewers and are martial arts experts and avid crime fighters. The series premiered in December of 1987 and concluded after 193 episodes.

Fox via youtube

What do you think this variety show centered around the woman in the show's title was called?

Arrested Development

Breaking Bad

"The Tracey Ullman Show"

"Cagney & Lacey"

The variety series debuted on April 5, 1987 on Fox Network and aired for four seasons. The show, starring Tracey Ullman, featured high-profile celebrities, song-and-dance routines and sketch comedies among others segments.

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